Fabrizio Romano Reveals Liverpool’s ‘Dream’ Alternative if Isak Deal Falls Through
Fabrizio Romano has highlighted a backup option Liverpool may consider in the final stretch of the transfer window if their pursuit of Alexander Isak fails.
Isak has been sidelined from Newcastle’s main training group after missing the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, and local journalist Lee Ryder suggested a second bid from Liverpool may be on the horizon, following their initial £110m offer being rejected.
Meanwhile, Romano reported on Wednesday night that Darwin Nunez has verbally agreed to join Al-Hilal, with the 26-year-old expected to undergo a medical soon, signaling his likely departure from Liverpool.
Romano: Barcola Emerges as Liverpool’s Backup Plan
On his YouTube channel, Romano shared that if Newcastle refuse to sell Isak, Liverpool could switch focus to Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. The French winger is viewed internally at Anfield as a ‘dream’ signing.
“In case the Isak deal can’t happen because Newcastle decide to close their doors, Bradley Barcola is the dream option in terms of wingers,” Romano said. “The priority for Liverpool is a striker—specifically Isak. But if that fails, they may pivot to a winger, with Barcola seen as a top internal target.”
However, Romano clarified that Liverpool have not yet approached either Barcola or PSG, and Isak remains their top priority. PSG, the reigning Champions League winners, currently have no interest in letting the 22-year-old leave.
Barcola Move Unlikely, but Not Impossible
With Luis Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich, Cody Gakpo is the only natural left winger in the senior squad under Arne Slot. However, young prospect Rio Ngumoha’s impressive pre-season performances could earn him a place in the first team soon.
Liverpool’s interest in Barcola is understandable. He scored 21 goals and assisted 19 more last season, playing a key role in PSG’s Ligue 1 triumph and their first-ever Champions League win—knocking Liverpool out in the process.
Still, as Romano noted, prying Barcola away from Paris would be extremely difficult. Even the skilled negotiation of Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes may not be enough to pull off such a deal.
For now, Liverpool’s biggest needs are at centre-forward and centre-back—especially with Nunez on his way out—explaining their intense focus on Isak.
Even so, having a quality alternative like Barcola in mind is wise, and the French winger has proven he can thrive on football’s biggest stage.
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